Author's Notes:
- If you are not caught up on the manga, you will see spoilers, given the nature of one of the main protagonists. Be warned.
- I apologize to anyone thinking this is gonna be a "suddenly every enemy is a challenge" story. I don't intend to make many changes to the battles, just need to adjust some aspects given that having another absolute powerhouse does change things. Tweaks will have context. This won't mean, say, Kuro has observation Haki, nor will Kreig have armament. More like, X character may get defeated later rather than earlier. Otherwise, overlaps occur and that won't be fair to other crewmates.
- Big thanks to everyone who has liked/followed/commented. I'm really excited to try my hand at a longer story. Some chapters will require extra time, given their complexity, but I have no intention of throwing in the towel anytime soon. If I can make it past Alabasta, I think I can really keep it going. That's usually around where some re-writes slow down or stop.
-Romance Dawn-
9 Years Later
Foosha Village Coast, East Blue
The villagers had come together to send the pair off. The townspeople cheered and waved, excited to see them chase their dreams in this great pirate era. A local man offered them a dingy, which was happily accepted as their first boat. Luffy and Yamato had filled it with a couple barrels of supplies, as well as a box of gear and clothes.
It had been 3 years since Ace had left, and in that time the two continued their growth and grew even stronger. Luffy was now 17, and had developed quite the reputation as a local legend, defeating (and consuming) countless beasts that roamed the forest. His punches could smash rock to rubble, and he had unknowingly begun development into the next stage of physical power. But that would come later. For now, the rubber lad had a big smile adorning his face, wearing his casual red button-up tank top and shorts with a pair of sandals to boot. He was the most picture-perfect, mild-mannered boy, not the rough and tough pirate most would expect.
His partner however was quite the sight. Since her "training" began with Garp, if one could call being beaten and thrown into the woods to be attacked by wild animals training, she had become a near equal powerhouse herself. Moreso if you asked her, something which had yet to be settled. Unlike Luffy however, her genes resulted in quite the growth spurt. Standing a good 2 ft taller than her "captain," the 18-year-old was quite the image. She continued her tradition of wearing traditional Wano garb, with a white tunic style top and red knee-length skirt. Her horns were now almost a foot long and bright red, sticking out from her snow-white hair, lightly colored at the tips with some turquoise lighting. Makino has helped her dye it, and it was now a standard look for her. Unlike her counterpart, she had a weapon, wielding a large black club, a bigger version of the one she held when she came to the island.
The two had been counting down the days until Luffy's birthday, with Yamato threatening to leave on her own adventure for almost a year. "You're lucky I'm sticking around for you," she'd remind him, all smiles. "A youngin like you could never make it out there without someone wise like me!" she'd sarcastically remark.
"You're just as dumb as me shishishishishi," was almost always the response, to which Luffy would be smacked on the head. It was true though, Yamato was not what many would call "smart." She was prone to getting lost and acting without thinking, probably because of who she ended up growing up with. Neither Ace nor Luffy could be considered tactical. But, what they didn't have in brains they had in unending tenacity and heart.
Their goodbyes were short and sweet, with a hug to Makino and a promise to pair her back with their joint treasure tab. Mayor Woop Slap looked angry as all hell, making the moment all the more natural. One day they would be back, they promised.
As they began their journey to the wide world and endless ocean, the Lord of the Coast finally made his appearance. A massive sea monster, with blood red eyes bared his jaws of sharp teeth.
"Whoa!" Luffy exclaimed. "It's you! Sorry I have to do this, but I've been perfecting this move since the last time we met!" He wound back his arm, just as the monster closed in. "Gum Gum Pistol!" He declared, smashing the monster clean in the cheek. His eyes bulged and his lower jaw seemed to bust, as he was launched a good 100 feet away.
"That's what you get you stupid fish!" Luffy called, sticking his tongue out in mockery. Turning to Yamato, he cheekily said "1-0 shishishishishi."
"That's not fair! I let you have that one," she retorted annoyed. "I coulda hit him harder AND farther."
"Yeah yeah yeah, sure sure. Whatever you say Oden," he teased.
During their years with Ace, Yamato and Luffy had bonded deeply, mostly because they couldn't beat him. Well at least Luffy couldn't. Yamato won once, and permanently held it over his head.
"Guess I'm stronger than Luffy, right Ace?"
"That's not true! You just got lucky! He fought me right before! I weakened him up! Right Ace?"
"Would you two both shut up! Both of you are weak, I'm the only strong one here!"
That was 5 years ago. In 7 years, the two collectively won 1 time against Ace. Granted he left 3 years ago, but still!
Other than that, the two really did share much in common, especially a deep excitement for adventure and the Grand Line. After the first few months, the two were thick as thieves, intent on causing trouble out in the world one day. Both could not wait until the moment they could hit the seas together, form a crew, see the world, kill her dad. All fun stuff.
Speaking of Kaido, no word ever went around regarding his missing daughter. They assumed it must have been that he thought he finally killed her, accidentally or not. She had told the two brothers of her past, and they theirs. She was the daughter of Kaido, one of the 4 emperors. He was a terrible man, who killed hundreds without a care in the world. And he killed her hero. When he had learned of her desire to be like Oden, he starved her for 20 days. This was followed by beatings, which she fought back on but couldn't even scratch him. Her last day on Wano, he had smacked her with his club, sending her flying from the island of his base. Quite a ways, actually, as she fell completely outside of Wano's borders. Fate would give her driftwood, but she passed out from the hit. She woke up on Garp's ship, and here she was.
Finding out Ace was the son of Roger left her star-struck, she had read much of Oden's travels before her departure from the island, but did not have it on her when she was found. Roger was one of her heroes, but she kept that to herself after the dirty look Ace gave her when she asked about him. He wouldn't expand too much, just that he was taken in by Garp and lived here is whole life from what he remembers. Didn't know his mom either.
They even informed her of their late brother Sabo, which left her crying a whole day. She never met the guy, but he sounded so cool! She instantly hated those damn celestial dragons, and would remember them later. She'd kick their asses too.
Yamato dropped some of the Oden name as the years went on. She still believed whole-heartedly that she could be him, not just like him, but she also knew that she was not yet worthy of the name. Playing pretend and being the great man we're two separate things. Instead, she had decided that her identity to those unknown to her would be Oden, and those close could call her by her true name. This would mean she'd still be both. Luffy thought that was dumb, but Ace understood. He struggled with his own identity, so he could sympathize with someone like her, who was just trying to find herself.
"One day guys, I'm gonna beat my dad," Yamato had said. "And then I'm gonna free and open Wano, just like Oden wanted."
"Then what?" Ace had asked. "You gonna stay there after?"
"No, I just want to finish his last wish. Then, I might not have to be him anymore…"
"Shishishishi, guess we gotta beat him quick then. Don't wanna confuse everyone when I'm the Pirate King sailing with Kozuki Oden, that wouldn't make sense!"
Yamato smiled at the thought.
…
Ace would leave Foosha when he turned 17, and they hadn't heard from him since. They all planned to meet again, with the promise they would all be great pirates.
Now, in the present, the two looked out at the ocean, wondering what adventure lay ahead of them.
"I think we need another 10 nakama," he decided.
"10? That's it? How are we supposed to do anything with 12 people?" Yamato questioned.
"It'll be fine. We just need some tough people, that's all."
"Whatever you say Captain, though as your First Mate I should remind you we have no idea how to sail."
"We'll be fiiiiiiine. And who said you could be my First Mate? You should be a Cabin Girl."
"You did," she deadpanned. She'd smack him later for the second comment, but she was honestly just happy to be out on the water.
"Mmm. Fine, you can be my First Mate," he sighed. "Shishishishishishi"
…..
About a day later they were already out of food.
"Yamato, I'm huuuuuungry," Luffy whined, tongue hanging out of his mouth.
"Ugh. Shut up. You ate everything we had left," she responded, exasperated.
"Nuh uh. You did too. You eat like me."
"Nope."
"Yep."
They sat in companionable silence, until they felt the boat begin to sway. They looked around, and almost out of nowhere, a massive whirlpool had formed.
"Huh. That's cool," Luffy stated aloud. "What do we do?"
His nonchalance passed onto Yamato. "Don't know. Die maybe?"
"Hm. That would suck…." Luffy looked around and came up with an "idea," or something. "Ooo I can go in this barrel!" He quickly scrambled in and closed the top.
"What do I do?" She asked, annoyed.
Luffy peaked his head out and pointed, "You might fit in that box."
Yamato shrugged, and emptied it out. This should have been more concerning for her, given that she was quickly being swallowed by a whirlpool, and had devil fruit powers. But she didn't really recognize the danger, and simply did as her captain commanded, just in time.
Whirlpool:1
Boat: 0
…..
The sound of splashing woke Yamato up. She was currently floating, of that she was sure, but wasn't sure what to make of it. Something smacked her box, and she heard someone call out to pull. They loudly grunted, yanking the box onto something. She didn't move, figuring she'd play this out.
She heard one grumble "We should get that barrel too. Could have some good booze in it."
"Hurry up," another noted. "She'll be back soon, and we don't wanna make her mad."
"Shut up you," a third stated. "We just gotta pull this bad boy in, drag these downstairs and see what we got. Booze we drink, jewels we hide."
"Alvida'll have your hide if she catches you with money."
"She'll never know."
"Got it," the first man exclaimed. "Help me drag this in, it's not as heavy as the first." For some reason, this comment stung Yamato, though she wasn't sure why.
She heard them hoist it up and kick it back down what sounded like stairs. Hopefully that was Luffy, otherwise she would kill that rubber moron. You're not allowed to die this early dammit!
She was finally dropped to a halt. The first man, who seemed to be in charge said "Hey Koby, what are you doing down here."
A timid voice replied, "N-nothing. J-just l-looking around for loot."
"In the kitchen huh? Sounds suspicious."
"W-well what do you have there?"
The third man from early replied, "Let's find out. You're not gonna tell Alvida right? We'd have a problem if you did."
"Of course not!" 'Koby' exclaimed.
"Good, now let's see what's in this barrel."
A moment later, a smash could be heard. "I slept soooo gooooooood!" Luffy exclaimed. Figuring now was the time, Yamato emerged from her own box, stretching out as she did so. Time to fight!
The two looked at the 3 in front of them in confusion, they must have been pirates. The pirates seemed downright horrified, before the drew swords.
"Who are you kid," one pointed out, wearing striped attire. "And what the hell is that?!" He exclaimed, realizing Yamato wasn't what you might call human.
Luffy looked where his eyes were and began laughing hysterically. He pointed at her and said "Yeah, what is that? Looks stupid to me shishishish!"
Yamato growled before pulling her club for her back and swinging it fiercely. It seemed to almost pull the air, tightening it, and sending it forwards, smashing the 4 in front of her. The three pirates went flying at the wall, Luffy smacked into the stairs.
"Ow Yamato! What was that for!" He replied, annoyed. He was rubbing his head, somehow her hits hurt him like Garp and Ace's. It wasn't fair she could do that too!
"You know what," she huffed.
"Shishishi that's true, guess those guys are blind." Getting up, Luffy dusted himself off and noticed a terrified boy with pink hair crouched over.
"W-w-what are you two?" He hesitantly asked.
"Pirates!" Luffy replied cheerily.
"Pirates? You aren't bounty hunters?"
"No, who wants to be a bounty hunter?"
"I just thought you could have been that wandering pirate hunter, Roronoa Zoro."
"Who?" Before Koby could reply, Luffy cut him off. "I smell food." He brushed past Koby, Yamato in tow, and opened a pantry. The two instantly attacked anything edible, and maybe not edible, and opened up the fridges to clear those as well.
With a mouth full of food, Yamato asked "Where are we? Is this a pirate ship?"
Koby looked at them absolutely confused, "No? This is a cruise liner. Anyways, how did you beat those guys so easily?"
"Strong I guess?" Yamato replied. "Though they seemed weak." Turning to Luffy "3-1 by the way."
"Those don't count!"
"Yeah they do!"
"Nuh uh!"
"Yeah huh!" The two began butting heads, glaring each other down and growling. And just like that, a switch was flipped and they began laughing heartily.
"Who are you two?" Koby asked again.
"Pirates, I told you dummy," Luffy replied, smacking his head. "My name is Monkey D Luffy. I'm gonna find the One Piece and be King of the Pirates!" He declared excitedly. "Oh, and this is Yamato. She's my First Mate."
Yamato smiled widely, happy Luffy said it properly to him.
"King of the Pirates! That's impossible! There are thousands of strong pirates out there, looking for the One Piece, and-" In the middle of his long-winded whine, Luffy smacked him again. "Ow! What was that for!"
"Felt like it."
Koby looked at the two again, and realized for 1, one was like some type of actual demon, which was a little jarring, and 2, they were serious. Absolutely serious. The smile on Luffy's face may have made it seem light, but the look in his eye said it all. He would be king.
The two began walking away, leaving the pink haired boy to his thoughts. "Wait!" He called to them. They turned and waited. "Do you think if I try hard enough, I could find my dream as well?"
"Sure! Why not! What's your dream?" Yamato asked.
"I wanna be a marine, and catch bad guys and pirates. I'll be the greatest marine ever!"
"So, you'll be catching us huh?" Luffy asked, before giggling.
"N-no! I meant bad pirates! You guys seem nice…" they turned around and went back towards the stairs to the deck. "Wait a minute, where are you two going?"
"Up," Luffy replied pointing in said direction. "We need a ship, gonna see if they have one to take." Yamato nodded her agreement.
Reaching the top deck, they came upon a band of pirates, currently prepping loot to be loaded onto an adjacent ugly ship.
A larger than average woman, but still much shorter than Yamato, stared at them before yelling "Who are you brats? What do you want? Where are the three I saw head down there?"
"Too many questions," Yamato replied, picking her ear and semi-spacing out.
"You brat! Get them men! The could be bounty hunters like Zoro!" she pointed forwards, commanding her men to attack. Luffy and Yamato had a quick Rock Paper Scissors, and Luffy won. Smiling, he stretched out his arm forwards to the main mast, while Yamato grumbled about how he was cheating and that paper shouldn't beat rock. Rocks smash paper, how does paper win?
The men screamed in horror, having never seen a devil fruit in their lives. They were a rarity in East Blue. While they were frozen, astonished, Luffy called out "Gum Gum Whip!"
He was yanked forwards, and sent his leg in an arc, smashing every man in sight. He turned around and called "11-3!" Yamato was not happy.
"You'll pray for that brat!" The woman looked towards the stairs, at the same moment Koby appeared. "Koby! Who's the most beautiful woman on these seas?"
"That would be you Captain Al-"
"Hey Koby?" Luffy interrupted. "Who's that fat hag?"
Life paused for just a moment.
The anger radiating off the woman was palpable. She finally raised her weapon, a massive club, but still smaller than Yamato's. Koby looked terrified. Luffy looked confused. Yamato may or may not have picked her nose, depending on who was asked. She noticed some movement from the other ship in her peripheral. An orange-haired girl could be seen launching a great kick into a man's balls, and snuck into the hulk of the ship after. Yamato smirked and re-focused on the event in front of her.
"Luffy! You don't understand, that's Iron Mace Alvida she's the… she's the…" Realization dawned on Koby's face. Luffy didn't care about how strong she was. His conviction meant that he would go through anything that may try to stop him. In that moment, Koby felt a wave of confidence upon him.
"She's the fattest, ugliest hag in the East Blue!"
A long moment passed once again, and not a sound was made.
"Hahahahahaha!" Luffy laughed finally, mouth wide open as he did so. "That's was great Koby! She's pissed!"
Alvida seemed to have enough of their nonsense. She rushed forwards, mace drawn over her shoulder. Koby was frozen in shock, and Luffy stepped in to block her strike. With his head.
A moment after contact, Luffy began giggling. "That won't work on me! I'm rubber!" He threw his arm back a few yards. "Now Gum Gum…"
Right as he sent his arm forwards, a white blur appeared ahead of him, arms drawn back in a similar manner. But the swing that followed sent the woman in front of him miles away. Luffy's momentum carried him with no target to hit, and he careened into the lip of the ship, creating a nice hole.
Yamato laughed at him. "That's 11-5. She counts as 2 since she's a captain."
Luffy emerged from his hole, and glared at her. "That's not fair," he grumbled. "I'm supposed to be the one to beat these guys. You're stealing my knock-outs."
"Gonna have to be quicker than that. Besides, you got all those easy ones too!"
Before their argument could continue, they noticed 3 navy ships moving in on their location.
"Looks like it's time to go!" Yamato called out, heading for the port, where some spare dinghies were located. Luffy and Koby followed behind. The navy was now firing on Alvida's ship, and the splashes were drawing ever nearer to their location. The trio got in a boat and dropped it to the waiting ocean below.
Amidst the landing, Luffy made eye contact with another girl. She was also in a dinghy, looking to make a getaway. She seemed surprised at the current development, and seeing the massive oni, was downright in awe. The distraction left her open, and a cannonball began its descent right at her. Luffy, seeing her stunned moment, quickly jumped to her aid, sending the ball careening back towards the navy ships.
The girl was now even more dumbfounded as Luffy landed in her boat, hand in his hat, back to her. He turned and smiled his widest smile. "You okay?"
She looked at the boy in front of her in confusion, and before she could respond, she was gifted the sight of Yamato leaping upwards and sending another ball back.
"We gotta go!" She called out. Luffy jumped back to their ship and waved to her!
"Hope we meet again!" he called out as they caught wind. Nami blinked before also adjusting her heading. She saw them sailing away, his arm up and waving excitedly. The other girl bonked him and said something, before he made to turn away. He gave her one last smile, and began rowing.
Whoever those two were, she prayed she'd never see them again. They seemed like trouble, and she didn't need trouble. Not all prayers are answered, however.
…
20 minutes later, the group had finally made enough distance as to not be followed. Luffy had gotten an earful of dissatisfaction for wasting time, but he laughed it off.
"So Koby, where is that pirate hunter guy everyone keeps bringing up?"
"Zoro? I heard he was in Shells Town. Why?"
"Can you get us there?"
"Please don't tell me you plan on meeting him, right?" Koby complained staring at the two. Their blank looks said it all. "I guess there's a marine base there, so maybe we should go. It's not far off from here."
"Perfect!" Luffy replied happily. "Let's gooo!"
…
A few hours later, the trio made landfall at Shells town, a small, simple island with a bustling town and massive marine base looming over top. They disembarked, and instantly eyes were on them. Though Luffy and Yamato had no clue as to why.
"Glad we made it!" Luffy proclaimed. As they began walking the crisscross streets he turned to Koby and asked, "So where can we find this Zoro guy?"
Instantly, the entire town's mood shifted, with some people leaping backwards in horror. "Guess he really must be a bad guy," Koby decided. "We should find that marine base. I heard their commanding officer is a man known as Axe Hand Morgan."
Once again, the town seemed flabbergasted, and began scattering away. This drew a hearty laugh from both Luffy and Yamato, and confusion was etched on Koby's face.
"This town is hilarious!" Luffy laughed.
"I understand fearing Zoro, but Morgan? That's strange." As they continued on, Koby pointed forwards. "Looks like we found the base.
The three stood at the entrance to the largest building Luffy or Koby had ever seen. Yamato was not phased, her "home" was about 50x the size after all. The marine base was a large cylinder, painted with blue and white stripes. The navy coat of arms hung over the entryway, and looking up, movement could be seen on the roof. The outer area was massive, with training grounds to one side of the base commanding a sizable portion of land. The complex was surrounded by walls to on all side, with gates on the interior leading between the training grounds and the main base.
Climbing a small exterior wall, Luffy gazed around until his eyes spotted a cross in the courtyard. A man appeared to be strapped to it, arms tied and legs hanging loosely. A black bandana covered his eyes, and he wore a white tee with green pants and some kind of light green sash around his waist. From just looking at him, he seemed dead to the world, but the sheer aura of power emanating off of him told otherwise.
"That's Zoro?" Yamato asked. "Guy looks weak if you ask me."
Luffy meant to reply, but at that moment, a little girl appeared to their right on a small ladder, scampered up it, and ran towards the man. He seemed to recognize her, and yelled something, but the smile on her face told them she was not afraid. She opened up a small cloth, revealing two rice balls, and offered them up. She intended to feed him, but as he argued, three new people appeared from behind the interior gate.
Two were simple marines, nothing individually interesting or significant. Just standard white garb with hats shading their eyes. The man who lead them however was another case entirely. He had bright blonde hair, cut in the ugliest bowl, with a flashy purple suit and sharp white dress shoes. His ensemble was complimented by his deep butt chin and smug face, full of amusement.
An argument ensued, with the blonde stealing a rice ball, stomping the other, and finally resulting in the little girl being grabbed and tossed over the wall. Luffy reached out and grabbed her midair, letting her fall safely on his chest. Yamato prepared to jump in right then, but Luffy sent his arm out and held her back.
"What the hell Luffy! I wanna kick his ass!"
Luffy stared at her, before replying, "We will. Not yet though, gotta talk to that guy first."
Koby rushed over to check on the girl while Luffy made his way back over and leaped into the open yard, Yamato in tow.
Zoro looked up, confused at the pair. "Who the hell are you two supposed to be?"
"Pirates!" Yamato replied happily. "The Captain here is looking for a crew," she said, pointing to said Captain. Luffy waved his hand, to emphasize.
"Pirates huh? You do know who I am, right? If you mess with me, I'll kill you where you stand."
Luffy couldn't contain his excitement, or his laughter. "Shishishishi. How are you gonna kill us when you're all tied up? How'd you get here anyways?"
"Does it matter?" Zoro replied gruffly. "I have an agreement with that snot nosed blonde guy Helmeppo. I've been up here 9 days, and have 21 more to go. That chump promised to let me go after one month."
"A whole month?!" Luffy exclaimed. "I couldn't last a day without food."
"And that's why you're weak, unlike me. My will keeps me going."
"Blah blah blah, I'm so tough," Yamato mocked. "We can let you down, just join our crew."
Zoro stared at her, one part angry, the other confused. "You think I'd sink that low? No thanks! What makes you think I'd even join you if you let me down? And what the hell are you anyways lady?"
"Kozuki Oden!" She replied proudly, pointing a thumb to her chest. She was promptly bonked by Luffy on the head.
"Don't lie to our future nakama Yamato," Luffy joked. Turning back to Zoro, he said, "She's just a dumb monster, don't worry about her." She clubbed him for that. This led to a full-blown fist vs club fight, lasting a good minute.
"You two done with your comedy routine yet?" Zoro asked, annoyed. They looked at him confused, her yanking on his cheek, and his fist on her's. "If you are, then scram. I have more important things to worry about. If I can't even survive this, then I don't even deserve to pursue my dream."
"What's that?" Luffy asked. "You going for the record for longest time without eating?"
"No you moron!" Zoro yelled. "Just get out of here." The two shrugged and made to leave, before Zoro called out again. "Wait. Toss me that rice ball."
Luffy reached down and picked up what was left of the stomped food, now a pile of dirt and rice. "This? It's just mud."
"I don't care, just give it to me!"
Luffy shrugged and tossed the food into Zoro's open mouth. The man chewed and swallowed the stuff, before stating just above a whisper, "Tell the girl, the food was delicious."
…
Luffy and Yamato sat at a local restaurant, watching as Koby checked to make sure the girl, Rika, had no lasting damage from the throw. She didn't seem to care, having a big smile on her face.
"He really ate it all?" She asked happily.
"Every last crumb. Seemed to like it too," Luffy replied.
"I'm so glad!"
"Is he really as bad a guy as everyone says?" Koby asked.
"No way!" Rika exclaimed. "Everyone's afraid of him, but he didn't do anything wrong. That Captain Morgan's son, Helmeppo, had a mean wolf. He came into our restaurant sniffing for food and tried to attack me! Big bro Zoro saved me!"
"So that's why he's in prison huh?" Luffy asked. She nodded, some tears in her eyes at the memory.
"Captain Morgan and his son are the bad guys!" Rika exclaimed. "They've been putting people to death for no reason, and making everyone pay just to survive! Everyone is afraid of them!"
At that moment, Helmeppo entered the joint, big smile on his face. "Everyone out of my way!" he proclaimed. "And bow those heads further. I'm the son of Captain Morgan I'll have you know! Do you want to be jailed like that loser Zoro?" He began to laugh as he sat down and said "We'll be executing him in 3 days. He'll be an example to the rest of you!"
Luffy looked at him in confusion. "I thought you made him a promise?"
"Where'd you hear that?" Helmeppo laughed again. "He's a stupid moron for believing me anyways!"
Luffy was up just like that. The swing he sent Helmeppo's way may have broken his jaw had he aimed a little lower. Instead, he got the side of his face and the man went flying out the door. His marine entourage made a feeble attempt to stop Luffy, only to be slammed into a wall on the other side of the street by Yamato.
"Don't you dare move," she growled, now looming over them.
The townsfolk were on the scene in an instant. "He actually did it!" one man exclaimed.
"He punched the Captain's son!" another announced, horrified.
Koby pulled Luffy back, trying his hardest to make sure the rubber boy didn't kill Helmeppo there and then. "Don't do it Luffy! Are you trying to pick a fight with the marines?!"
"He's scum! Who cares who he thinks he is! I'll kick his ass!"
"I'm telling my daddy!" Helmeppo cried. He staggered up and made to run, and took a club to the rear end, launching him straight towards the marine base.
"Maybe that'll get him there faster. I wanna kick these guys' ass," Yamato said angrily.
"I've decided," Luffy began. "Zoro will be joining my crew!"
…
The two rushed back to the marine base grounds, intent on releasing Zoro. Koby followed as fast as his stubby legs could take him, but was far behind by the time the pair reached the execution area.
Zoro looked up, confused at the development. "I thought I told you two to go away. I'm fine on my own."
"Nah. That Helmet guy said he was gonna execute you in 3 days. So I punched him in the face," Luffy replied nonchalantly.
Yamato nodded. "I smacked him right back here."
"That's what that noise was?" Zoro asked. They all looked towards the entrance, which had a Helmeppo shaped dent above the door where the navy symbol had been. The man (boy?) in question was gone.
Suddenly it clicked for Zoro. "Wait, they're gonna execute me?!"
"Yep! So unless you join my crew, you're gonna die for sure."
Zoro stared at him for a moment before smiling a wicked smile. "What are you, the devil? And this your demoness?"
Luffy liked the sound of that. "Close! So, are you in?"
"Do I have a choice?" Zoro gave them both a once over again, and weighed his options. "If I'm to join you, you better not get in my way. I have a dream and a promise to keep."
"You gonna tell us what that is now?" Yamato asked.
"To be the World's Greatest Swordsman."
"The World's Greatest Swordsman huh? The King of the Pirates would have nothing less. Otherwise you'd make me look weak," Luffy replied, smiling.
Zoro's eyes sparked at the audacity of the kid, and his newly revealed dream. He smiled again, this one much lighter. "Works for me, but I need my swords back. That asshole Helmeppo took them from me after I was tied up."
"Okay! I'll go get them! Yamato, you and Koby get him down, I'll be right back!" At that moment, a panting Koby finally arrived, sweat on his brow and tongue out.
"That's not fair! I wanna fight people too!" Yamato complained. Luffy laughed again, before grabbing ahold of the cross.
"Just wait, we'll still need to fight after this." Yamato smiled happily at that.
Zoro looked at Luffy in confusion. "What are you-" before he could finish, Luffy stepped back, stretching his arms, before launching himself at the roof.
"What the hell was that?!"
"Devil Fruit, duh!" Yamato replied. Her eyes seemed to sparkle before she asked, "Wanna see mine?"
…
Luffy landed on what could be considered an eye-sore of a statue. Marines were currently in the process of lifting it up, under the command of a guy with an iron lower jaw and an axe for a hand. He was yelling something Luffy didn't care about, and just as he prepared to attack, Helmeppo appeared in the stairway.
"That's him Daddy! That's the guy that hit me!"
"There you are!" Luffy yelled happily. "I was looking for you!" He leapt off, causing the whole statue to shudder and crack. The marines looked horrified at his actions, but Luffy didn't care. "C'mon! You gotta bring me to Zoro's swords!" He grabbed Helmeppo, and dragged him behind, down the stairs into a hallway.
Luffy began running every which way, not really sure what to do but figuring he'd find them eventually. He came to a stop when he saw a certain orange-haired girl slip into a room with a "Captain" sign over it. He scratched his head and shrugged, figuring it wasn't important just now. He suddenly remembered he was dragging the Captain's son.
"So where are the swords?" he turned to asked. Helmeppo struggled to raise his arm before pointing at the room adjacent to the Captain's. He collapsed soon after.
Luffy busted in and looked around, dropping Helmeppo unceremoniously on the ground. A few swords stood against a window. Luffy didn't know which was Zoro's, so he grabbed them all and tied them to his back. Looking out the window, he noticed a passed out Koby, a confused Yamato and an open mouth Zoro, standing together. He was freed, but was dumbfounded. Luffy smirked before grabbing the windowsill and pulling back.
Launching downwards, Luffy landed directly in front of the three, smile on his face. He quickly removed the swords from his back, and handed them off to Zoro. "Wasn't sure which one was yours."
Zoro finally closed his mouth, and looked at Luffy like he had two heads. "Uhhhhh, now I'm even more confused. What the hell is she?"
"Yamato! Did you show off again?"
"No! Koby was taking too long to untie the rope so I, you know, ripped them off. With my teeth." She smiled sheepishly.
"Why didn't you rip them off by hand?"
"You got to show off your powers, why can't I?"
"Cause now he's confused!"
"That's not my fault! You confused him too!"
"And look what you did, poor Koby was freaked out to! Shame on you!"
"But, but-"
"Shishishishishi. Sorry Zoro, she gets too excited sometimes. She's a dinner wolf."
"A divine wolf! I'm mythical!"
"And I'm rubber, so what?" She smacked him, and he bounced back up. "See? My power is cooler!"
"Nuh uh!"
"Not this again," Zoro cut in. "Just hand me the swords, I use three-sword style. Both of you shut up, it's giving me a headache."
"Wanna fight Zoro? Bet I could kick your ass!" Yamato exclaimed.
"QUIET! ALL OF YOU!" a voice boomed from across the field. It was that Axe guy again. "I don't care who you are, but you have defied my authority. For that, you will be executed! Men! Take aim and shoot them down!"
The marines timidly raised their weapons and fired. Luffy simply stood in front of the group, and took every shot. Bullets pushed his body inwards, but never pierced.
"You can have these back!" Luffy yelled, before pushing his body forwards. The ammo went careening in all directions, just missing Morgan's head.
"If guns don't work, then slice them down!" The marines drew their sabers, and rushed forwards. Just as the came close, a green blur slid in front of them, blocking their path and their blows. Zoro sat crouched, swords in his hands and jaw, blocking every single sword.
"Anyone so much as moves, they die." The marines began to openly weep, unsure what to do. A man blocked their bullets, another their swords. And the psycho behind them would kill them if they didn't fight.
"Listen Luffy. I will join your crew. But never forget, my dream comes before you. So if you ever get in my way, or stop me, I'll cut you down."
"Sounds good to me," Luffy said, smiling. "I expect great things from you."
Zoro smirked. "Wanna get these guys off of me, Captain?"
Luffy smiled, and prepared to whip his leg. "Gum Gum Wh-"
Yet again, he was cut off, this time via a hand pressing his head down from above. He fell forwards, face planting in the dirt. A white wolf monster demon thing used his body as a spring board, and rushed forwards, slamming its club right through the line of marines.
"11-11 now, Captain." Yamato turned back, a smirk playing on her white face. Luffy was fuming now.
"That's not fair! I'm supposed to show off!" Turning to Morgan, he yelled out, "Sorry about this, but I'm not gonna lose to her!" He sprang forward, leaving his arm in the dust. "Now! Gum Gum Pistol!"
Morgan didn't even have time to react, let alone block. The blow struck stomach, and sent Morgan to his knees, a smattering of blood escaping his mouth. He went down instantly, out cold. The gut shot probably left at least two or three ribs broken. "There, now its 13-11." Luffy stuck his tongue out in mockery.
"What did you do to my Daddy?!" A voice called from behind them. The three turned to see Helmeppo holding a gun pointed to Koby, who still lay unconscious. "Don't move or I'll shoot!"
Zoro sighed and slowly walked up to the coward. The only thought in his head being 'What did I get myself into?'
"Don't come any closer! I mean it, I'll shoo-" he didn't finish his sentence. Zoro simply bonked him on the head with the butt of his sword, knocking him out too. Turning back to the mass of downed marines he called out, "Anyone else wanna fight?"
A few rose up and looked around. The huddled together for a moment, before tossing their weapons into the air.
"We're free! Captain Morgan has been defeated!"
…
The four "heroes," (Koby included), now sat at a table, gorging themselves on food prepared by Rika's mom. Zoro was the first to tap out.
"Whoo. I'm stuffed!" Looking at his new crewmates, he realized they were still chowing down. "How the hell can the two of you eat so much? I haven't eaten in over a week!"
Both shrugged, figuring that their dietary habits were normal. Thanks Garp.
Recognizing they might eat their host out of house and home, the two finally stopped, with Luffy snagging the last slab of meat before Yamato could get her hands on it. He laughed when she growled.
"Anyways, where's the rest of the crew?" Zoro asked.
"You're looking at it! Me and Yamato are the only members before you."
"Great," Zoro grumbled, putting his face into his hand. For the second time in so many hours, he wondered just what he got himself into.
"Shishishi, it'll be fine Zoro!"
"Yeah!" Yamato agreed happily. "We're looking out for strong people, so we'll be fine. Just remember though, I'm the First Nate and the strongest!"
"Second strongest!" Luffy corrected. "And just cause your First Mate doesn't mean you can boss anyone around. I'm the Captain!"
"Humph," Yamato grumbled. "Just 'cause you won our last fight doesn't mean I'm not stronger."
"Yeah it does! Whoever wins last is the current strongest, I don't make the rules! Shishishi."
"Guess we'll need to settle things then at some point."
"Guess so," Luffy retorted, grinning widely. The two always pushed each other, and their monstrous strength and resolve would only keep pushing them forwards.
"Anyways," Zoro cut in, "what now Luffy?"
"We're off to find a navigator. And a musician! Every crew needs a musician!" Yamato nodded in agreement, from the stories she'd heard of other crews, this was critical business.
Zoro just sighed again, before sporting a smirk. These two may have been morons, but their lightheartedness and joy were infectious. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad, right?
"What's your plan now Koby? Gonna join the marines still?" Zoro asked. They had spoken for some time while chowing down, and had gotten to know one another.
"Yeah, once you guys leave I'll head to the base."
"You sure that's a good idea? These guys have strong connections, and may know you served as a cabin boy for a wanted pirate."
"That's true, but I-"
Just then, a group of marines came knocking.
"Excuse me," the one in front began. "You lot are pirates, correct?"
"Yep!" Luffy replied cheerily.
"On behalf of Shells Town, we thank you for your service." They saluted the table. The lead marine coughed into his hand awkwardly before he continued. "Unfortunately, we must ask you to leave. We won't be reporting this to HQ, but as marines we must do our duty."
"That's not fair!" one customer called out. "These guys saved us from Morgan!"
"Yeah!" Rika exclaimed. "They're good guys!"
"Be that as it may, they are still criminals. We cannot allow them to stay in town."
"No problem." Luffy stood now, motioning for the other 2 to follow. "We'll leave now."
As they began their leave, the marine noticed Koby had not gotten up. "Isn't he part of your crew as well?"
Luffy turned back. "Him? Nah, he wants to be a marine though."
One of the marines loudly whispered to the commanding officer, "Sir, can we trust this kid? There's been reports of pirates having men sneak into the navy as spies."
Koby looked at them horrified. He glanced towards Luffy, who blankly looked back before he smiled. Another "idea" seemed to form in that smooth brain of his.
"Oh yeah! He's a total weakling! This guy was serving under that fat hag Albida or El Bida or something and-" before he could continue, Koby had rushed forwards and punched him with all his might.
Eyes now covered by his straw hat, Luffy smirked. His dig worked. He grabbed Koby by the collar and brought him down, laying punches on his unprotected face. Not hard though, at least not as hard as they should have been.
"Enough!" the marine in charge announced. "I see now that he's not affiliated with you. Now get out of here before you cause more trouble!"
The crew simply turned away once again, heading back towards the port.
Behind them they heard Koby reiterate, "Please sir, let me join the marines."
…
Arriving unbidden, they began packing up some boxes. A few locals provided food as thanks for their actions, which was happily accepted by the trio. They'd need the grub before they reached their next island.
After finishing up, Zoro pulled the anchor, and the three began to set sail, off again into the unknown. A shrill yell from the island turned their attention.
"Luffy!" Koby screamed. "I'll never forget you! Thank you for everything!" He saluted the three.
"Sure that's a good idea Koby? Marines shouldn't be saluting pirates," Zoro replied.
A small squadron of marines made their way to the port, lining up with Koby. They all saluted as well, in thanks to the actions taken by this small pirate crew. Luffy just smiled and waved as they drew further and further away.
Now they just needed to find a navigator. And as fate would have it, they would find the best.
Sorry if any of this felt a little rushed. Nothing so far posed a challenge originally, even moreso now. Really, nothing until maybe Krieg seemed all that difficult in the manga. Trying to establish early how interactions between Yamato and Luffy might start out as. He's a super competitive person, and she's inherently stupidly strong, so in my head they would always try to outdo each other.